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Local SEO Secrets: How To Rank In Google’s Map Pack

how to rank in Google Map Pack

If you’re a plumber, lawyer, roofer, or any other service-based business, showing up in Google’s Map Pack isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s everything! Those top 3 local listings are prime digital real estate. They get the clicks, the calls, and the customers. You MUST learn how to rank in Google’s Map Pack if you want to survive as a business.

For clarification, you may have heard of Google’s Map Pack by some different terms. These are all the same things:

🔁 Common Terms for the Google Map Pack:

  1. Local Pack

  2. Map Pack

  3. 3-Pack or Local 3-Pack

  4. Google Local Pack

  5. Google Maps Results

  6. Snack Pack (an older nickname from when it had a more compact design)

  7. Google Business Listings

  8. Local Finder results (refers to the expanded list you see when you click “More places”)

  9. GMB Pack (GMB = Google My Business, the former name of Google Business Profile)

  10. Local Map Listings

At Foxtown Marketing, we’ve helped dozens of local businesses leap from invisible to unmissable by showing them how to rank in Google’s Map Pack. And today, we’re spilling the tea on how we do it. ☕📍

First, What Is the Map Pack?

The “Map Pack” (or “Local Pack”) is that box of three business listings that appears at the top of Google’s local search results, right under the map. It shows up when people search for things like:

  • “plumber near me”

  • “best divorce attorney in Memphis”

  • “AC repair Sonoma County”

If you’re not in that pack, you’re probably not getting the call. But don’t worry, we’ve got the roadmap. 🗺️

💥 Real Results: From Page 2 to Top 3

Let’s take John, a pest control operator in Florida. When he came to us, his company was buried on page 2 of Google. His competitors were getting all the leads, and his phone was not ringing.

Here’s what we did:

  • Optimized his Google Business Profile with category updates, fresh service descriptions, and geo-tagged photos.

  • Generated over 30 five-star reviews in 60 days using our review campaign system.

  • Built hyper-local citations and backlinks from directories and local news mentions.

  • Created locally-focused landing pages optimized for high-intent search terms like “Stuart ant removal” and “bug spray company.”

Result? He cracked the Map Pack in under 90 days. His lead volume jumped 3x, and he’s now closing cases faster than ever. 💼📈

🛠️ 3 Keys to Local SEO Success

Want results like that? Here are the three local SEO levers you need to pull:

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)

Your GBP is your digital storefront. Make sure:

  • Your business categories are dialed in (choose the most specific one first).

  • Your services and service areas are fully filled out.

  • You post regular updates, photos, and offers (Google loves fresh blog content).

🧠 Foxtown Pro Tip: Use keywords naturally in your business description and service list, but don’t keyword-stuff like it’s 2005.

2. Generate (and Respond to) Reviews

Reviews aren’t just social proof. They’re a ranking factor. But it’s not just about how many reviews you get. Google looks at:

  • Keywords used in the review (e.g., “Dave was the best emergency plumber in White Plains!”)

  • Recency and frequency

  • Whether or not you respond to them

🤝 We help clients set up easy, automated review requests using email and text. More stars, less stress.

3. Use Localized Content and Backlinks

Local landing pages and backlinks signal relevance to your area. Some ideas:

  • Blog posts like “5 Signs You Need a New Water Heater in Greenville”

  • Sponsoring a youth sports team with a link from their site

  • Getting listed in local directories (yes, they still work!)

📍Geo-specific = Google gold.

Let Foxtown Help You Own Your Local Market

We do this every day. Whether you’re a solo lawyer or run a 10-truck HVAC operation, we’ve got the playbook to help you rank in Google’s Map Pack and dominate your local market.

🔥 Want to see where your business stands today? Request a free Local SEO audit →

Or just give us a call. We’ll help you show up, and stand out.

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